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The reaction of Muslims to cartoons of the prophet Muhammad in a Danish newspaper were hardly surprising since I recalled how when "The Message" was released in 1976 the publicity that talk about how Muhammad was not depicting on screen in the film. What I learned in finally watching the film is that this also meant that the voice of the prophet could not be heard as well, and that his immediate family (wives, daughters, sons-in-law) are also covered by this prohibition. This means there are moments in the film where actors address the camera directly, which represents Muhammad's point of view and pause as they listen to dialogue that is not being spoken. Anthony Quinn plays Hamza, an uncle of Muhammad, and becomes one of several key figures, including Bilal ibn Ribah (Johnny Sekka), who explain and accept Muhammad's teachings.

The key thing about this film is that the title tells you what it is really about, which is to say "The Message" rather than the messenger. There are biographical elements of Muhammad's life presented, usually as exposition by other characters when talking about the prophet, but what matters more are the beliefs espoused by the faithful. This is not to say that there are not fascinating historical details, such as how it was decided that the faithful would be called to prayer by a human voice rather than a horn or drum, and the story of Muhammad being saved from death by a web spun by a spider, because clearly there are some key events depicted in the film. But mostly it is the declarations of faith that will stand out in the minds of the audience. The fact that there will be relatively few viewers who will not learn something about Islam from watching this film that speaks to exactly why it should be seen.

The University of Al-Azhar in Cairo and the High Islamic Congress of the Shiat in Lebanon endorsed the accuracy of the film, and while it was banned in many Middle Eastern countries, it was because objections were raised to the making of a commercial film about Muhammad, and not because of doctrinal concerns. The film is directed by Moustapha Akkad, who made an Arabic version, "al-Ris?lah," with different actors on the same sets on which he filmed "The Message." He only other film as a director was 1981's "Lion of the Desert," which reunited him with Anthony Quinn, but I suspect most people will remember his name as being the executive producer of the "Halloween" films. However, Akkad deserves more credit as a producer for getting the film made than he does for what he brings to it behind the camera as the director.

The educational value of this film far outweighs it cinematic merits. At 177 minutes it runs a bit long because of the number of battle sequences in which the audience has no real appreciation for what is going on. What matters are the victories and how they advanced the cause of Islam, and not the tactics on those battlefields. Besides, during these battles there are long stretches without dialogue and troops matching around in the desert, which do feature Maurice Jarre's Oscar nominated score. The best parts of this film are when these figures from history are talking about the beliefs and tenets of Islam, and the worst are the melodramatic parts, which usually involve Irene Pappas as Hind, whose emotionalism runs against the tenor of the rest of the cast, exemplified by not only Quinn but Michael Ansara as Abu Sofyan, the leading merchant of Mecca. Keeping clear who these characters are might be difficult, but understanding what they believe will be easier and much more important.

I would be shocked if there was another movie made devoted to either the life of Muhammad or the rise of Islam, so "The Message" is going to be the only dramatization of those subjects available to teachers to show their students. If I could cut a third of this film its educational value could be doubled, but even with its flaws this film is going to teach them more about Islam that any textbook chapter or documentary of talking heads and ancient artwork. As for "The Message" constituting an effort at conversion, I do not see that to be the case. What I expect is that students, seeing a choice between the three hundred and sixty tribal gods kept in the Kaaba by the merchants of Mecca who set themselves up as the overlords of Arabia, and the monotheism declared by Muhammad that also established the equality of slave and master in the eye of God, will agree with the faithful in this film as to which path to choose. There should be some fascinating classroom discussions after watching this film, and being reissued this year on DVD as a 30th-anniversary edition should increase the chances of that happening.

I am not a Moslem so I can not speak about the authenticity or faithfulness of this film. My understanding is that Moslems like it. It looks like the reviews do that. I am a middle school teacher and I use this movie to teach my students about Islam. It is very popular with them. I find it interesting that the kids are cheering for Mohammad and his followers by the end of the film. Thinking of Moslems as "the good guys" is something our media and culture has not traditionally done, so I really appreciate the ways this film challenges societal predjudices.
I think an honest review would admit that the acting is somewhat cheesy in spots. It also raises some questions that a non-Moslem might not know answers to. For instance, why isn't Ali shown? In a teaching situation, though, that is good. You have the kids do some research and try to find answers. All and all I would highly recommend this film to any teachers out there who are looking for an highly engaging way to introduce their students to Islam.

Having recently embraced Islam, I am happy to say this movie was my eye opener and a turning point for any doubts or confusions I had before I took my final step toward Islam. Once I watched it, I knew I was doing the right thing. It is brilliantly made, especially considering how old the movie actually is, and every time I watch it the tears flow more. I am glad the movie is back in circulation and know that it will help anybody who wants to learn more about Islam. I pray more people will take steps toward studying Islam and erasing any misconceptions they have. This movie will certainly help. It is accurate and reliable history and I recommend it as a teaching reference for anybody who wants to present Islam as well. It's even better when you watch it the second time round. I only wish they'd make it in more languages.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfull; All muslims must see it.
A wonderfull movie that allow to know about the deep origine of our religion which is the only one agreed by God. Every one must see.

Published 6 months ago by Amina

5.0 out of 5 stars Best and most accurate movie about the Origin of Islam
I really enjoyed watching this movie again which in my opinion is the most accurate depiction of the origins of Islam... Read more

Published on Nov 2 2009 by Tony B.

3.0 out of 5 stars Request for improved edition
The Message (30th Anniversary Edition)

Review here is of the 2005 DVD product, "30th Anniversary Edition. Read more

Published on Feb 3 2009 by Dr. Richard Daystrom

5.0 out of 5 stars This Great Film was Banned in the U.S. in 1976
When "The Message" was released in 1976 here in the U.S., I remember there was a conspiracy and protest in New York against the film by anti-Islamic (I believe Christian and... Read more

Published on April 12 2007 by BM Sharef

5.0 out of 5 stars To the Frustrated reviewer from Canada
My Friend who 'studied' history from Canada, I'd say..
1 - Greetings from Canada :).
2 - You are frustrated why a movie didn't show the 'flaws' of the characater ? Read more

Published on Nov 15 2005 by A. Khalifa

1.0 out of 5 stars Pleasant Whitewash
Mohammed: Messenger of God may be OK as a movie, that is, a piece of fiction, but let's face it: the movie was hardly historical. Read more

Published on Mar 10 2005

5.0 out of 5 stars I really wonder!!
After watching this movie I really wonder as to why it was banned across the Arab world. Such a pity really!. Read more

Published on May 3 2004 by Farooq

5.0 out of 5 stars Underrated Cinema Epic
The Message is a compelling and riveting cinema epic. I have to say that I am certainly moved everytime I watch this movie. Read more

Published on April 14 2004 by fanatic_fan

4.0 out of 5 stars Various Islamic personages were ignored!
It is a great movie and represents the real message of Islam. However, various "eminent" Islamic personages were completely ignored, such as Abu Baker, Omar, Othman and... Read more

Published on Mar 9 2004

3.0 out of 5 stars Time for A Special Edition
This DVD product is not up to the standards of current DVDs. It's most glaring omission is English subtitles. Read more

Published on Feb 13 2004 by Clyde A. Dodge

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